Traditionally, Muslims envision Eid as a time of fun and entertainment. Some people are not aware of the real meaning of Eid so they do not perform the Eid prayer or any act of worship on Eid day. This article explains the meaning of Eid from the Islamic point of view, by answering three important questions; what is Eid? Why do Muslims celebrate Eid? How to celebrate Eid in the Islamic way?

What is Eid?

Eid is an Arabic word that relates to the word ‘awda عودة’ which denotes returning to Allah by maintaining our connection with Him and remembering Him continuously.

The concept of Eid in Islam symbolises joy for those who submit to Allah, follow His teachings, and fulfill their duties as Muslims. So, Eid represents submission and abiding to the rules of Allah. The following famous narration emphasises this meaning:

“كل يوم لا يعصى الله فيه فهو عيد’

“Eid could be any day that you do not disobey Allah and do not commit sins”.

In the Qur’an, the word Eid came once to entail blessings and grace by Allah, when Prophet Isa asked Allah (swt) to provide them with a meal from heaven to celebrate the blessings of Allah.

قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنْزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَائِدَةً مِنَ السَّمَاءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيدًا لِأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِنْكَ ۖ وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ 
[5:114] Said Jesus, the son of Mary, “O Allah, our Lord, send down to us a table [spread with food] from the heaven to be for us a festival for the first of us and the last of us and a sign from You. And provide for us, and You are the best of providers.”

In Islamic sharia there are two major Eid days; al-Fitr; by the end of Ramadan, and al-Adha; on the 10th day of dhul-Hijja. It is prohibited to fast in these two days, yet it is recommended to do all other acts of worship, including dhikr, prayers, Qur’an recitation, helping others and doing all other social ethics. Though people mistakenly envision Eid as a day of playing and entertainment only.
 
Why do Muslims celebrate Eid?

Muslims celebrate Eid because it is vital to celebrate the most important achievement in life, which is obtaining the pleasure of Allah and being closer to Him, by performing all the acts of worship. Since finishing a whole month of fasting and finishing Hajj are great achievements, Muslims started to celebrate them to emphasise their significance in the lives of Muslims as great training course to keep them on the right direction, to obtain the pleasure of Allah always.

In addition to the joy of reaching the level of taqwa or piety, celebrating Eid reflects a number of important Islamic values including justice, mercy, love, forgiveness and respect. By maintaining Islamic values on these days, Eid would not be a joyful time for  the individuals who have money and family, etc, but it would be a happy time for everyone, because of the social aspect, mercy and cooperation that spread happiness and satisfaction in people’s hearts.

How to celebrate Eid in the Islamic way?

As Eid is an occasion of celebrating ta’a or submission, we need to maintain this achievement by doing a number of actions as follows:

– Performing Eid prayers.
– Reciting the recommended du’as for these special days and reflecting on their beautiful meanings. Among the recommended du’as for Eid al-Adha is du’aa number 48 in al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya. This du’aa contains many values that we should implement in our lives, such as praising Allah, asking Him for forgiveness,  and admitting that we are always ready to follow Islamic teachings.
– Baring our responsibilities towards Allah and towards other people.
– Helping others and respecting their rights.
– Spreading good ethics and supporting them in the society.
– Reflecting on our lives and planning our future on the basis of the Qur’an.
– Establishing the real meaning of achieving closeness to Allah by serious adherence to the rules of Islam, without taking them lightly.

So, the happiness and joy in Eid and during our whole life, should be through submission which leads to having the blessings of Allah. To feel that Allah is pleased with you and loves you, means you reached the highest level of achievement which needs to be celebrated.

This spiritual joy is the real joy that makes people content and happy no matter what happens in their lives. So let’s celebrate Eid and every minute in our lives by being closer to Allah. The more closeness you achieve, the more joy and happiness you would get in dunya and akhira.

Dr. Iman Alattar